Sunday, March 19, 2017

Cioaba tells Azam to finish the job against Swallows

In Summary

Swallows supporters have been urged to paint the country’s capital red and white to boost morale of their players ahead of the Caf Confederation Cup’s first round, return leg tie.

However, Azam head coach Aristica Cioaba was unfazed by the threats that Mbabane Birds pose, reiterating that they were ready to fashion another win and seal their playoff berth.

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By Citizen Reporter @TheCitizenTz news@thecitizen.co.tz

Dar es Salaam. Bubbling with confidence, Azam FC look to complete what they started last week when they clash with Mbabane Swallows at Somhlolo National Stadium in Mbabane today.

Swallows supporters have been urged to paint the country’s capital red and white to boost morale of their players ahead of the Caf Confederation Cup’s first round, return leg tie.

However, Azam head coach Aristica Cioaba was unfazed by the threats that Mbabane Birds pose, reiterating that they were ready to fashion another win and seal their playoff berth.

Azam head into the match with a 1-0 advantage, thus they will need at least a draw to qualify for the playoffs where they will meet African Champions League first round losers.

“We are ready; we are just putting final touches to our preparations for the match against Swallows. The boys are faring well and raring to ambush the Swallows. I have confidence that Azam we will pull off yet another win on Sunday (today),” said the Romanian tactician.

He added: “We know that they will more aggressive because of playing at home, but we have a clear strategy of how to stop them.

“I call upon my players to pay heed to my instructions and finish the job.”

The Chamazi side that had pitched a two-day camp in Pretoria made a short trip to Mbabane yesterday.

Cioaba is likely to ring the changes to his starting team with skipper John Bocco expected to lead the line while Stephan Kingue would be pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

The 16 winners of the first round will advance to the play-off round, where they will be joined by the 16 losers of the Champions League first round. The 16 winners of the play-off round advance to the group stage, which will be divided into four groups of four.